Former England junior scrum-half Sam Stuart has been announced as Newcastle Falcons ’ eighth new signing for next season.

Stuart has been playing Championship rugby for Richmond this season, but Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards knows the 25-year-old better as the intelligent young talent who came through Harlequins’ academy.

The Cheltenham-born player represented England at Under-16s, 18s and 20s levels.

“Sam is a very skilful player who was a promising academy prospect when I was at Harlequins, and it is great now to have this chance to work with him up at Newcastle,” said Richards.

“He is an intelligent footballer with an eye for a break, he possesses a good kicking game and plays with the kind of high tempo we like to bring to our play.

“He has done very well during his time with Richmond and is already familiar with the North East from a spell playing at Darlington Mowden Park. We look forward to his arrival in the summer and to him forming part of what is already an exciting-looking squad for 2017-18.”

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Stuart made three Premiership appearances for Harlequins, as well as featuring in the European Champions Cup and Anglo-Welsh competition. He has been an ever-present for Richmond in this season’s Championship.

The 5ft 8in player will effectively replace Sam Egerton, who is retiring from professional rugby union to pursue a law career.

“Sam has been a great professional since joining us last year, he is a very talented player and we have really enjoyed working with him,” said Richards. “He leaves with our best wishes and I am sure he will be successful in his chosen career.”